Interactive Map - World's Extinct and endangered species

Interactive map showing the number of extinct
 and critically endangered species worldwide
- Guardian-click to find out more

Earlier this month, the Guardian released an interactive map showing the world's extinct and critically endangered species. The view can be switched from extinct, currently critically endangered and numbers of both divided into 12 regions of the world. Just click on the map and the respective animals to learn more information! The map was based on the IUCN Red List It's a great simple tool that illustrates the past and current state of our species and one can understand the future challenges that lie ahead for conservation worldwide.

"Today, one in eight birds, one in four mammals, one in five invertebrates, one in three amphibians, and half of all turtles face extinction"

-Guardian

Save the last 3200 wild tigers! -WWF

A message from WWF:

"Vote to help the last 3200 wild tigers! The Wereld Natuur Fonds (WNF) tiger ad 'Here they are. All of them.' has been nominated for the NRC Charity Awards. WWF can win 300,000 euros media exposure in the NRC, a leading Dutch newspaper. We have to stop tiger poachers NOW because we've already lost 97% of our wild tigers in the last century. So help us get our message across by voting for the WWF ad by September 14.

Go to: http://bit.ly/Me7zK7

1. Click on 'Bekijken', 2. Then under the Dutch ad, fill in your email address, 3. Tick the box 'Ik ga akkoord met de actievoorwaarden' (agree with the terms), 4. You will receive an email to confirm. 

That's it! Thanks a lot."

Dr. Wolfgang E. Burhenne awarded the Harold Jefferson Coolidge Memorial Medal

The Harold Jefferson Coolidge Memorial Medal is a prestigious IUCN award that recognises outstanding contributions to the conservation of natural resources. This year, during its World Conservation Congress in Jeju, Korea, IUCN awarded this medal to Dr. Wolfgang E. Burhenne, the Executive Governor of the International Council on Environmental Law.

Dr. Wolfgang  has been directly involved in many international conventions on conservation. He was one of the 12 signatories for the establishment of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and his insight was critical in the creation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The medal was first established in 2004.  Dr. Robert Goodland, a tropical ecologists and environmnetal advisor for the World Bank, was the first-ever recipient in 2008 at the IUCN's World Conservation Congress in Barcelona.

"Dr. Burhenne has also provided inspiration and encouragement to many individuals throughout his career who have gone on to become leading figures in the field of environmental law." - IUCN

On the same day, Sir. David Attenborough was honoured with the Dr. John C. Phillips Memorial Award, and 11 Honorary Membership of IUCN were also awarded:

• Dr Abdulaziz Abuzinada, Saudi Arabia

• Ms Angela Cropper, Trinidad and Tobago

• Dr Aila Keto, Australia

• His Excellency, The State President, Lieutenant General Seretse Khama Ian Khama, Botswana

• Mr Veit Koester, Denmark
• Dr Russell Mittermeier, USA

• Dr Ian Player, South Africa• Professor Nicholas Robinson, USA

• Dr Marina Silva, Brazil

• Mr Achim Steiner, Germany

• Professor Randolph Robert Thaman, Fiji

read more: IUCN

Sir. David Attenborough awarded the Dr. John C. Phillips Memorial Medal

The IUCN World Conservation Congress is being held in Jeju, Korea from 6th until the 15th of September.  Today (the 11th) the congress honoured Sir. David Attenborough with the Dr. John C. Phillips Memorial Medal. This medal is considered the IUCN's highest conservation award, with a list of lustrous fellow recipients such as Professor Edward O. Wilson. 

Sr. David Attenborough's contributions to international conservation are known across the globe. Perhaps they are better reflected in science classrooms and lecture rooms at universities where most students will name that the BBC broadcaster as one of the main reasons they want to pursue career in natural sciences.

This memorial medal will join several other prestigious awards that Sir. David has been collecting over the last 50 years

"Sir David has reached the masses with his captivating programmes on natural history (...) inspiring generations to protect and conserve our planet." 

-IUCN

read more: IUCN

Who is Ron Taylor - (R.I.P - 09/09/12)

Valerie and Ron Taylor in 1971.
 Photograph: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Many film enthusiasts have seen the exciting shark sequences in Spielberg's celebrated movie Jaws, yet most many not have realised that the man who made them possible has passed away at the age of 78 after battling myeloid leukemia for 2 years.
Ron Taylor was his name and the name will always be associated with his successful wildlife film-making career and his involvement in marine conservation. A shark expert and marine biologist, he began his career as a spear fisherman but then changed weapons and started "hunting" marine life with a camera. Since then Ron and his beloved wife Valerie have been advocates of marine conservation. Their impressive work earned them the title of 'gods of the sharks' and both were awarded the Membership of the Order of Australia, first Ron in 2003 and Valerie in 2010. 

Ron and Valerie Taylor in their Sydney home, 2009

Though Ron Taylor is no longer with us, his work will forever be remembered and treasured. One of the 'gods of the sharks' will be up in the sky looking out for sharks across the globe while people down on Earth will continue to protect the marine ecosystem, inspired by the legacy that Ron Taylor left behind.

read more: Guardian

Signs of Hope for Biodiversity (Infographic) - WORLD BANK

The size and number of protected areas around the world is increasing.

Investment in biodiversity is increasing.

from: World Bank

Why Biodiversity Matters (Infographic) - WORLD BANK

70% of the world's poor live in rural areas and 

depend directly on biodiversity for their survival and well-being.

from: World Bank

Threats to Biodiversity (Infographic) - WORLD BANK

50% of the Earth's wetlands were destroyed in the 20th Century

from: World Bank

We're losing Biodiversity (Infographic) - WORLD BANK

Two species have gone extinct every day since 2010

from: World Bank

What's Happening to Biodiversity? (Infographic) - WORLD BANK

WORLD BANK - What's Happening to Biodiversity?
click here for full view

Joel Sartore's Photo Ark Project

Panamanian golden frog (Atelopus zeteki)
critically endangered frog endemic to Panama

Joel Sartore is a National Geographic photographer who has spent the last 6 years doing studio photography. Though it might sound like a contradictory statement, Sartore's reasons are more than justified. He's photographing as many animal species as he can, most of them endangered. With either a black or white background he hopes to put all species at equal terms. 

Clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa)
Vulnerable felid found in Himalayas, SE Asia and China

The project, called Photo Ark, already has more than 2000 animal photographs but despite being busy with animals in the studio, Sartore still finds the time to continue his work with National Geographic magazine, having completed more than 30 projects already.

This is an impressive achievement and the photographs speak for themselves. With Photo Ark Sartore hopes to introduce these species to all corners of the Earth and give these animals a chance of survival.

“You can’t fall in love with something if you haven’t met it.” 

 Joel Sartore

find out more: www.photoark.net  

read more: IUCN - http://www.iucnworldconservationcongress.org/news___press/interviews/?10962/Capturing-the-worlds-species-before-its-too-late

VIDEO: IUCN Red List of Ecosystems explained

Biggest Protected Area In Madagascar

It's official ! Makira Natural Park, with an area of around 380.000 hectares is the largest protected area in Madagascar. This forest in the northwestern part of the island is one of the most biodiverse regions in Madagascar housing almost 20 species of lemurs.

The park will be funded under the REDD+ scheme (Reduce Emissions through Deforestation and Forest Degradation) with some of the money going to the local communities.

“Not only does Makira protect the largest remaining tract of the island’s rainforest, but it is a demonstration of a new model for integrated conservation in Madagascar where local communities – de facto stewards of the forest resources – become partners with the State in protected area management.”

Christopher Holmes, Director of Wildlife Conservation Society’s Madagascar Program

Read more at: Mongabay: http://news.mongabay.com/2012/0817-makira-madagascar-wcs.html#o5ytBbFyCQdPLb7t.99

Sea Otter Awareness Week 23rd -29th Sept 2012

Sea Otters Fight Against Global Warming
An examination of 40 years of data on the sea otters from Canada do Alaska has revealed that these creatures are important to the fight against global warming.  This is due to the sea otters eating habits as they eat the sea urchins and thus allow the marine kelp forests to flourish.
The kelp forests absorb carbon dioxide and produce organic matter similar to terrestrial forests and thus slow the rising of carbon dioxide in the ocean.
Overall it is believed that the presence of sea otters is critical to maintain the balance of the marine ecosystem.
read more: http://www.livescience.com/23030-sea-otters-may-be-global-warming-warriors.html
Action for our planet:http://www.actionforourplanet.com/#/blog/4553718851/Sea-Otters-Good-for-the-Environment/3470277

Paid Volunteer vacancy - Animal Cognition

Cape ground squirrels of The Kalahari

Project set up by the University of Cambridge and Zurich University
Based at the Meerkat Research Station.
Period of 12 months
Accommodation and paid a monthly allowance for food.
If you are interested in this position, please send a CV and a short letter stating your motivation to apply, and two names acting as referees to:jamiesamson@hotmail.com
The closing date for applications is the 10^th September and persons shortlisted must be available on either the 17^th or 18^th September for a Skype video interview.

more information: http://behaviourandcognition.blogspot.ch/p/volunteer-vacancy-cape-ground-squirrels.html

New Hawk- Owl Species Discovered in the Phillipines

Top: Cebu Hawk-Owl

Bottom: Camiguin Hawk-Owl

Analysis of calls from owls in the Phillipines revealed two new species of owls: The Cebu hawk-owl (Ninox rumseyi) and the Camiguin hawk-owl (Ninox leventisi). It was previously thought that both species were subspecies of the Phillipine hawk-owl (Ninox phillippensis).Both newly described species are found in restricted habitats. The Camiguin hawk-owl is only found in the island of Camiguin Sur. The Cebu hawk-owl was thought to be extinct due to deforestation on the island of Cebu.

The discovery of the Cebu hawk-owl is one of the 3 endemic bird species found in this island and this owl species is believed to be endangered. The other two endemic species are song bird Black Shama  or siloy (Copsychus cebuensis) and the Cebu Flowerpecker (Dicaeum quadricolor). 

Read more: 

mongabay:New owl species discovered in the Philippines

Inquirer News: Cebu Hawk Owl among 8 new species in int’l study of Philippines’ ‘spectacular diversity’

IUCN's Red List of Ecosystems

This new initiative was first conceived in 2008 and is projected to be have complete global coverage by 2025. Based on the Red List of Threatened Species, the project is aimed at assessing the vulnerability of ecosystems based on an internationally accepted criteria for risk assessments of ecosystems.

This list will help conservation action and decision-making, particularly in studies of land use and ecological restoration and provide important link between the health of an ecosystem and human well-being.

“We envision that it could become a one-stop shop for economists, rural communities, local and national authorities, who can use the assessments of the Red List of Ecosystems to better manage the finite resources of our planet,”

- Edmund Barrow, Head of the IUCN Ecosystem Management Programme.

Read more: http://iucnworldconservationcongress.org/news___press/?10913

An Interview with David Quammen - Mongabay

Spillover - Animal Infections and the
next human pandemic, 2012

David Quammen

Reporters Nandini Velho e Umesh Srinivasan interview David Quammen. David Quammen is a conservation writer, writing for many magazines, including National Geographic and is the author of popular science books such as 'Song of the Dodo'. Now releasing a new book, 'Spillover', Quammen talks about the history and future of conservation science, religion and his literary influences.

Read (click on link): 

An interview with conservation writer David Quammen

By Nandini Velho and Umesh Srinivasan, special to mongabay.com
September 05, 2012

Endangered Spider Found in San Antonio, USA

Northwest San Antonio, USA  - Construction for a $15.1 million highway underpass project on Texas 151 is halted indefinitely. Why? Because a spider that hasn't been seen in the area for 30 years was living there! This spider was confirmed to ben an endangered species of meshweaver. 

Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Tiny-spider-is-a-big-roadblock-3849198.php#ixzz263jVHHCG

WWF Pic of the Week #09 - Curiousity

WWF Pic of the Week #09 - Curiousity, a photo by WWF International on Flickr.

WWF Pic of the Week #09 - Curiousity

Curious about your world? There's always something to suprise you in its infinite variety.

A curious juvenile African Lion (Panthera leo) reaches out to inspect a hidden camera with it's paw, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

Find out more about the natural world and - what WWF does to help conserve it.

© naturepl.com / Anup Shah / WWF-Canon

- WWF Pic of the Week